Whiffletree



(No Model.)

J. P. JOHNSON.

WHIFFLETREB.

No. 338,529. Patented Mar. 23, 1886.

Inventor:

Witnesses:

eds N. PLHIRS. FlwXn-Lllhogmpher. Washmgkm. n. c.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES P. JOHNSON, OF VIRDEN, ILLINOIS.

WHIFFLETREE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 338,529, dated March 23, 1886.

Application filed December 26, 1885. Serial No. 186,779.

To aZZ whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, JAMEs P. J OHNSON, of Virden, in the county of Macoupin and State of Illinois, have invented a new and useful Improvement in \Vhiifletrees; and I do hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the same.

My invention relates to whiffletrees, parts being applicable either to single or double trees.

The details and purposes of my invention are fully set forth hereinafter, and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 represents a double-tree in plan view with my improvements. Fig. 2 is a detail view of the clevis connecting the single to the double tree, showing also the form of single'tree. Fig. 3 is a detail view of one form of trace-hook. Fig. 4 is a modification of the hook. Fig. 5 is a view of a single-tree applied directly to the bar. Fig. 6 represents one part of the double-tree.

In the drawings, A represents the doubletree, of ordinary construction and arrangement. The single-tree a is pivoted upon each end by means of a bolt, 1), and clevis d. The clevis extends underneath the double and over the single tree, and has on each end an eye through which the bolt 1) passes. Between the single and double trees is a plate, E,whieh has a flange, e, bearing against the back side of the double-tree. This equalizes the strain upon the bolt, and throws the strain of the draft largely upon the rear side of the doubletree, thus diminishing the liability of breaking or splitting of the double-tree.

In order to avoid cutting away the doubletree for the purpose of letting in the flange, I cut away the inner edge of the upright part of the clevis, forming a recess, f, adapted to receive the flange. The recess is made long enough to suit the widest tree, and the clevis is also recessed back, as shown at g, to allow movement of the single-tree.

The single-tree a is of special construction, and is adapted to be made of malleable iron. It is made rounded on its upper side, with beads 1, 1, and 2 running lengthwise to give a finished appearance and add to its strength.

(No model.)

The under side is made hollow or channeled, except at the center, where a boss, N, is found fitting the under side and forming a menforcement about the hole on which the tree is pivoted. The boss N may be cast solid with the single-tree, or made separate and dovetailed into the single-tree. The ends of the single-tree are made solid and provided with means for attaching the tugs or chains. This form of malleable iron single-tree is adapted to be used either with a double-tree or alone on a buggy or carriage.

\Vhen used with a double-tree, I provide a form of hook shown at K. I form the under side of this hook with an upward incline, so that the extreme or hook end is higher than the upper surface of the double-tree. This holds the tug or trace above the said surface, and prevents the chafing and wear as the parts move. \Vhere tugs are to be used alone, whether with single or double trees, I form the tip L with a channel opening to the outside with a narrow slot, Z. This receives the head on of the leather thong which serves as the key to fasten the tug. This head is turned to bring it in line with the slot, so that it can be inserted, and when thus inserted it is turned across the slot and held in place. This tip L may be made as a part of the single-tree, or may be threaded and screwed into the end of the single-tree.

In casting these single-trees I form them with a slot or slots in the rear edge. For a single-tree to be used directly on the bar, I make a slot on each side of the center, as at 2 2. For single-trees applied to a double-tree only one is needed. In these slots I place a strap, a, and bringing the ends together secure them to the equalizer or other bar on its under surface. This prevents the horse from becoming detached in case the bolt be lost, limits the movement of the tree and prevents bending of the bolt, and shortens the strap to be used, and brings the bearing on the crossbar to which the single-tree is attached, and may be used in crooked or straight singletrees.

I claim as my invention 1. In combination, the single and double trees, the plate with its flange bearing on the rear surface, and the clevis recessed to fit the bined with the thong having a head, substan- [O flange, and the connecting-bolt, all substantially as described. 7 tially as described. In testimony whereof Ihave signed my name 2. The malleable iron single-tree having a to this specification in the presence of two sub- 5 slot in its rear edge,cornbined with the leather scribing Witnesses.

strap passed through said slot and having the JAMES P. JOHNSON. ends attached to the under side of the bar, Witnesses: v substantially as described. GEO. J. PATTIsoN,

3. The channeled tip of the single-tree com- F. D. HEATON. 

